Accredited Teaching Degrees Offered at GustavusDepartment of Education

The Education Department at Gustavus offers a wide range of teaching degrees. All the programs are reviewed and re-approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) every six years.

Elementary Education (K-6)

Middle School Level Endorsements (Grades 5-8) in the following areas:

  • Communication Arts and Literature
  • Math
  • Social Studies
  • General Science

Secondary Degrees for grades 9-12 in the following areas:

  • Biology/Life Science (you can add 5-8 with this major if you do a Middle Level Endorsement)
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Secondary Degrees for grades 5-12 in the following areas:

  • Communication Arts and Literature
  • Math
  • Social Studies

Degrees for K-12 in the following areas:

  • Physical Education/Health
  • Vocal Music
  • Instrumental Music
  • Spanish
  • Latin
  • Visual Arts

Coaching Minor

Teacher Education students may also qualify for a coaching minor by completing the course requirements as outlined by the Department of Health and Exercise Science.

Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams and Education Teacher Performance Assessment

Both these sets of assessments are required by the state of Minnesota for anyone pursuing a teaching license (or licenses).

The MTLEs are a series of computer-based exams that assess teacher candidates' proficiency in the content and pedagogical practices of their chosen disciplines/licensure areas. It is recommended that candidates take the content and pedagogy tests after the Methods Block semester. The Education Teacher Performance Assessment is a portfolio of reflections about a sequence of lessons prepared and delivered during your Student-Teaching Semester. It must be completed and passed in order to be accepted for graduation and licensure. Learn more about the MTLE and EdTPA.